Scouting's Family Mourns Loss of Columbia Space Shuttle Crew

Scouting's Family Mourns Loss of Columbia Space Shuttle Crew

Irving, Texas, February 3, 2003—This past weekend, the Scouting
family, with the rest of the nation, mourned the loss of the heroic Columbia
space shuttle crew.

"We join all Americans in mourning the loss of the shuttle crew. This loss
will be felt by all of us for years to come," said Chief Scout Executive Roy
L. Williams. "The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America has always been to help
America's youth reach their fullest potential. These astronauts embodied the
ideals and values found in the Scout Oath and Law. Their example will inspire
youth for generations."

Of the 293 pilots and scientists selected as astronauts since 1959, 180 have
been active in Boy Scouting. All four of the American men of the Columbia space
shuttle were involved in Scouting in their youth, with pilot William McCool
achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Today, the Boy Scouts of America serves more than 5 million youth with the
help of more than 1 million adult volunteers. Since its inception in 1910,
some 110 million people have been involved in the BSA. For more information
about the Boy Scouts of America, please visit our Web site at
www.scouting.org.

Boy Scouts of America—Connecting youth with
communities and families.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

View the resolution to honor the members
of the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia.